Treatment of hemihydranencephaly in a cat with ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Abstract

Hemihydranencephaly is extremely rare in cats. In this case report, the aim is to share data on the diagnosis and treatment of a hemihydranencephaly in a cat. This case report is for an 1 year old, 3 kg, male, Scottish fold cat. The cat was brought in by its owner with behavioural changes and decreased activity since birth. Cranial nerve examination revealed that threat reflex and lateral palpebral reflex were decreased and corneal reflex was delayed. Spinal reflex examination revealed a decreased patellar reflex and proprioceptive deficit in all extremities in the postural reaction test. As a result of the tests, a cranial lesion was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that the right cerebral hemisphere and ependyma were absent and instead were filled with fluid. In light of the findings, the patient was diagnosed with a hemihydranencephaly. Furosemide, and prednisone were used for medical treatment. However, despite a week of medical treatment, no improvement was observed. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was preferred as the surgical method. Although all of the patient's neurological findings did not disappear in the postoperative period, they improved. A cat with haemihydraocephaly was successfully treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt for the first time.